On Monday, October 28, Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr released a letter to the faithful “to convey a difficult decision regarding our longstanding partnership with Girl Scouts in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati,” in which he informed the faithful that he has “instructed pastors of the archdiocese to discontinue their parishes’ partnerships with the Girl Scouts.” This decision was made in consultation with the archdiocesan Presbyteral Council and Deans, as well as with the recommendation of key archdiocesan leaders.

In his letter, Archbishop Schnurr wrote that this decision is not against scouting itself, which he said “is fundamentally good – it builds virtue, discipline and community. It helps form responsible, well-rounded citizens.” Nor is it leveled against Catholic Girl Scout troops or troop leaders. On the contrary, the archbishop expressed his gratitude for scout leaders and their work with girls, saying, “Many of you have served as scout leaders, faithfully helping young people incorporate the values and lessons traditionally associated with scouting into their lives. I am deeply grateful for your dedication to this calling.”

Instead, the decision to sever ties with the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. (GSUSA) and Girl Scouts of Western Ohio (GSWO) comes after gathering a great deal of information and engaging in multiple conversations in an attempt to come to a mutually agreed upon direction between the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and GSWO.

“We have attempted to mitigate the influence of GSUSA at the local level; however, despite mutually respectful discussions and communication with the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio over the past two years, we have been unable to agree on an acceptable path forward,” wrote Archbishop Schnurr.

GSWO and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati were unable to reach agreement because of GSWO’s promotion of a world view on gender and sexuality which is in direct contradiction to Church teaching.

Specifically, GSUSA offers, and GSWO promotes, a cadette version of the Diverse. Inclusive. Together. patch, which includes a “Social Identity Wheel” activity that encourages girls to identify their sexual orientation (heterosexual or LGBTQ) and gender identity (boy, girl, non-binary, transgender, intersex, cisgender) in group conversations. Additionally, the LGBTQ+ Pride Month Fun patch encourages the use of key terms and definitions from the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), provides GLSEN recommended book lists; and suggests participation in LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations.

“Our greatest responsibility as the Catholic Church is fidelity to the Gospel and sharing the saving mission of Christ. It is therefore essential that all youth programs at our parishes and schools affirm virtues and values consistent with the teaching of Jesus Christ,” wrote Archbishop Schnurr. “The Archdiocese of Cincinnati cannot partner with an organization that, from its highest level, advocates ideas which the Church considers false and harmful.”

The referenced programs are offered by GSUSA, and not mandated by the troops housed within Catholic Church parishes. Despite that, the archdiocese holds that it would send a confusing and potentially damaging message to Catholics if it were to continue a partnership with an organization promoting ideas that the Church considers harmful to girls, regardless of the good that otherwise might be accomplished through that organization.

What does this decision mean, exactly?

According to the letter issued by Archbishop Schnurr: “By the end of calendar year 2025, every Girl Scout troop currently operating on any Catholic campus must: (1) convert to an American Heritage Girls troop; (2) find another location at which to meet; or (3) disband. In the meantime, no new Girl Scout troops may be established, and Girl Scouts may not be featured or promoted as an official ministry or extracurricular activity of any Catholic parish or school in the archdiocese.”

The Archdiocese has allowed a 14 month timeline for the partnership’s conclusion “out of respect for the decisions and steps that will need to be taken” to help ensure success for the women and girls participating in currently operating troops.

While ending this partnership disallows Girl Scout troops from partnering with Catholic organizations, it does not ban girls from participating in Girl Scouts outside of Catholic campuses, instead deferring to parents to make such moral choices on behalf of their children.

American Heritage Girls

As an alternative to Girl Scouts, Archbishop Schnurr endorsed the American Heritage Girls (AHG) as the “preferred scouting option for girls” in the archdiocese in August 2024. The organization’s mission of “Building women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country” and vision of the human person align with Catholic Church teaching.

Several Catholic parishes have already adopted AHG scouting programs, and moving forward GSUSA troops will have the option to convert to AHG troops if they choose to do so.

Archbishop Schnurr urges anyone looking for a scouting program that will form girls in faith and virtue to consider starting or converting to an AHG troop. For more information on how to do so, visit https://americanheritagegirls.org/start-a-troop/charter-organizations/ or contact Julie Goodwin, AHG Catholic Relations Specialist, at [email protected] or 515.771.2025, ext. 158.

For further inquiries about this decision, visit https://catholicaoc.org/girl-scouts.

To read Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr’s letter in full, visit https://catholicaoc.org/news/from-the-archbishop/letter-to-the-faithful-regarding-girl-scouts